Natural Gas Planning Manager

Closes:

August 25, 2025

Job Description

Avista is seeking an experienced professional to lead the Natural Gas Integrate Resource Plan. The incumbent provides strategic and analytical expertise when managing the company’s natural gas assets through capacity releases, storage management, optimization strategies, and off-system sales. Serves as an industry-recognized specialist in the analysis, interpretation, and planning of the company’s natural gas resource needs through coordination of long-range load and resource planning activities and the management of the company’s natural gas integrated resource plans. Assists in the preparation and defense of the corporation’s natural gas positions and assets in State Regulatory Commission filings. This position assists all areas within the department by supporting and performing highly complex and technical assignments including forecasting and analysis using statistical, economic, finance, production cost, mathematical and engineering modeling techniques including mentoring and providing work direction to other staff to complete the natural gas resource plan. May testify in rate proceedings and provide or oversee official company response to regulatory inquires.

Responsibilities

- At the direction of the Manager of Resource Analysis, leads other team members in defining strategies and plans for balancing long-term natural gas demand.

- Provides the natural gas resource modeling functions, including analyses of alternatives with respect to peak shaving, pipeline options, greenhouse gas neutral natural gas, storage, and supplier contracts. Interprets the results of the modeling process, recommends a course of action based on the results, and leads the effort to address the recommendations.

- Responsible for development of the company’s natural gas integrated resource plans, including development of financial models and inputs to analyze new supply side options, communication and coordination of the plans with internal and external stakeholders.

- Leads in addressing state regulatory filings for gas supply issues, recommends the course of action the company should take, and initiates the actions decided. This includes representing the company at regulatory hearings and settlement discussions. Assists in monitoring state utility commission regulatory filings for gas supply issues includes representing the company at regulatory hearings and settlement discussions.

- Provides complex and comprehensive strategic and analytical gas planning expertise on a variety of gas resource subjects including policy support and interpretation of impacts to Avista and its ratepayers.

- Assists in RFP’s for new fuel supply resources including sizing needs and system risks.

- Supports policy implications and leads analyses to understand risks and implications to Avista and it’s customers, including rate estimates and compliance options as described in the policy.

- Coordinates and directs the work of consultants and/or attorneys in order to protect the company’s positions.

- Leads forecasting of expected natural gas needs for program compliance and reporting for financial accounting. This includes supporting Climate Commitment Act, Oregon's Climate Protection Program, and Energy Efficiency efforts with analysis and understanding of rules and input requirements to properly consider strategic options.

Requirements

- Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Economics, Finance, Statistics, General Business, or related discipline

- 5 or more years of related experience in utility planning, analytics, ratemaking, and/or fuel procurement/transportation

- Broad knowledge and understanding of natural gas supply and transportation practices, utility industry, economics, statistics, utility contract principles, negotiation techniques, and detailed modeling/analysis

Hiring Range: $109,815 to $144,406

Other Combinations Of Education And Experience May Be Considered. Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane, Washington headquarters at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with an additional day determined by the employee and manager. To Apply

We encourage you to apply as many of our positions have multiple levels to account for an incoming employee’s various knowledge, skills, and experience.

Complete an online application and attach your resume and cover letter to your profile

. All documents must be attached to your application at the time of submitting your application for review.

No documents can be attached after you click "Submit".

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support every stage of life and career. Our offerings include:

- Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage

- Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match

- Incentive and bonus programs rewarding performance and contributions

- Generous paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation

- Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind

- Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health

- Education and development support including tuition assistance

- Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact

- Many other elective benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/.

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $109,815 to $178,999. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to humanresources@avistacorp.com

. Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at humanresources@avistacorp.com if you would like assistance.